I'm going to be honest and admit that I have never read Oliver Twist, so I can't really compare this one to the classic at all. The story is about Olivia Langdon, who was born in a workhouse and named Oliver Twist. However, she was raised as a boy because the doctor who delivered her told the nurse who raised her to raise her as a boy so she could avoid the hardships of being an orphaned girl. From there, the story skips to when Olivia is 17 or 18 years old, and she is living happily with her uncle. The sad part is that her uncle is losing his wealth, and in an effort to help him, Olivia has continued with her skills of robbery that she learned growing up on the streets as the member of Dodger's gang. In addition, she feels obligated to marry well so she can help her uncle financially to try to repay him for taking her in all those years ago when she thought she had no one else to turn to.
Of course, Dodger is in the story too. He shows up as the charming Jack MacCarron, an Irish gentleman, who is supposedly the nephew of Lois March, a well-to-do widow in London's society circles. However, Lois's husband left her with numerous gambling debts, so in exchange for a better lifestyle, Dodger became Jack MacCarron, and he helps rob from the rich as well to provide an income for Lois when she has no other way to live.
Jack and Olivia actually meet in the very beginning of the book, and Olivia recognizes him as Dodger, but when she calls him that, he refuses to acknowledge that is who he is. The mystery continues as Jack and Olivia are thrown together at parties and dinners, and even in the streets of London while trying to pawn the goods they have stolen for their benefactors. Eventually, the two develop feelings for each other, but Olivia cannot give in to the feelings because she is going to marry Maxwell Grimwig, a millionaire, who can help provide all she and her uncle will ever need.
The conflict comes into play when a new street lord, Monks, shows up and begins threatening and hurting Olivia's gang of orphans that she secretly supports as well. Olivia introduces the boys to Jack, and he promises to help them as much as he can. Of course, Monks is also Olivia's long-lost half-brother, and he is angry because their father left his fortune to his daughter rather than Monks. As a result, Monks frames Olivia for murder, and Jack/Dodger has to come in to rescue her.
The story is super cheesy, and there is a lot of romance along with kissing throughout the book. I actually had a hard time figuring out who was who because it seemed like most of the characters had two different names (even though that wasn't really the case). Also, the ending was a bit abrupt, and I felt that things were wrapped up quickly so the author could give Jack and Olivia a happily ever after. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who really loves the original Oliver Twist because I know it would just ruin it for you. However, I did enjoy the book, and it was a fun read for me (especially during the Co-Vid 19 quarantine when I'm not at school teaching for two weeks). This is one that I would recommend to girls who enjoy the sappy romance that is a twist (no pun intended) on a classic.
Monday, March 23, 2020
In the Shadow of the Sun
If you read my previous review about the book Enchantee, I am going to warn you that this one is a bit similar in the sense that it takes place in Paris and Versailles, and the magicians are considered nobles who run the court. I found it intriguing that two different authors wrote about the same type of idea within a year of one another. Either way, this one was a fun story to read as well.
The story follows Henriette, who is married to Louis XIV brother, Philippe, the Duke of Orleans. However, their marriage doesn't really start out as a happy one, since everyone knows, including Henriette, that Philippe prefers the company of men over women. Fortunately for Henriette, she is what is called a source. A source is someone who can give magic to magicians to control. Louis learns by accident that Henriette is a source, and he persuades her to help him gain power and control through the use of magic to build the Palace of Versailles. Throughout the story, Philippe shows some affection to Henriette, and she clearly wants him to love her, but she also develops a crush on Louis. Louis though never really returns Henriette's feelings, and she must watch as he develops relationships with other women. Eventually, Henriette and Philippe do fall in love, and they have a beautiful relationship. Philippe helps to protect Henriette from Louis going too crazy with her magic powers, and the three of them actually work together to defeat Fouquet, who in the book is the crown magician and tries to get Henriette to betray Louis and be his source rather than Louis's.
I found it so intriguing that the idea of magic is what helped to build the French monarchy, and also what helped the monarchs to remain in control for as long as they did. Also, I had never even heard of Henriette, so it was fun for me to read about her in real life and compare what is known about her in history with how the author portrayed her in the novel.
I would recommend this to those who love a good romance/fantasy, and anyone who wants to learn a little more about Louis the XIV. A large portion of the story is fiction, but the way that the author creates the characters compels the reader to learn more about what these people were really like when they were alive.
This was definitely a fun read for me from Once Upon a Bookclub Bookcase, and I am so glad I signed up for the subscription (I'm not getting paid for this). As a warning, there is supposed to be a sequel to this one, but I don't know that I will read it. The way that the author ends this one is pleasant enough that you won't be waiting on pins and needles for the next one to be published.
The story follows Henriette, who is married to Louis XIV brother, Philippe, the Duke of Orleans. However, their marriage doesn't really start out as a happy one, since everyone knows, including Henriette, that Philippe prefers the company of men over women. Fortunately for Henriette, she is what is called a source. A source is someone who can give magic to magicians to control. Louis learns by accident that Henriette is a source, and he persuades her to help him gain power and control through the use of magic to build the Palace of Versailles. Throughout the story, Philippe shows some affection to Henriette, and she clearly wants him to love her, but she also develops a crush on Louis. Louis though never really returns Henriette's feelings, and she must watch as he develops relationships with other women. Eventually, Henriette and Philippe do fall in love, and they have a beautiful relationship. Philippe helps to protect Henriette from Louis going too crazy with her magic powers, and the three of them actually work together to defeat Fouquet, who in the book is the crown magician and tries to get Henriette to betray Louis and be his source rather than Louis's.
I found it so intriguing that the idea of magic is what helped to build the French monarchy, and also what helped the monarchs to remain in control for as long as they did. Also, I had never even heard of Henriette, so it was fun for me to read about her in real life and compare what is known about her in history with how the author portrayed her in the novel.
I would recommend this to those who love a good romance/fantasy, and anyone who wants to learn a little more about Louis the XIV. A large portion of the story is fiction, but the way that the author creates the characters compels the reader to learn more about what these people were really like when they were alive.
This was definitely a fun read for me from Once Upon a Bookclub Bookcase, and I am so glad I signed up for the subscription (I'm not getting paid for this). As a warning, there is supposed to be a sequel to this one, but I don't know that I will read it. The way that the author ends this one is pleasant enough that you won't be waiting on pins and needles for the next one to be published.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
This review contains spoilers! Don't read it if you don't want to know how the story ends.
This was a read for my book club, and at first, I didn't love it. The story follows the life of Enzo, a dog, yes, a dog is the narrator, and his experiences with Denny, his owner. Denny is a race-car driver, and Enzo loves watching videos or car races when Denny is not at home. Eventually, Denny gets married, and he and his wife have a kid. Spoiler alert: Don't read on if you don't want to know what happens. Denny's wife then gets cancer and she dies. While she is suffering from cancer, she moves in with her parents, and Denny's daughter also lives there with them. Denny comes to visit when he can. Also, when his wife is sick, Denny goes on a family trip with his wife's family and his daughter, and one of the teenage cousins falls in love with Denny. Now, the sad part (yes, more sad than his wife dying). After Denny's wife dies, his in-laws decide to sue him for custody of his daughter, and to make things worse, the teenage cousin accuses him of rape. In the end, it all turns out fine for Denny, but he loses a lot of money, and then poor Enzo doesn't really get to see him happy because Enzo's life ends before Denny gets to his happily ever after.
Now, for my review part. There are chapters about racing cars that really aren't necessary; I felt like it was a bit like Moby Dick where the chapters about whaling didn't really add to the story. However, I can see why the author included these chapters; they do help you learn a little bit more about Denny as a person, but not a lot. So, I didn't really enjoy those chapters; I feel like the story could have been told without the race-car chapters.
Also, I kept thinking, "When is this guy going to get a break?" Good grief! First, his wife gets cancer, second his in-laws sue him for custody of his kid, and third, he's accused of raping a relative. What are the odds that this would all happen in one person's life, let alone within a year's timeframe? It seemed a bit much for me.
In addition, I kept thinking that Denny was pretty stupid, but then I realized that the author made him mainly naive and vulnerable since the story was being told from a dog's point of view. The dog helps the reader actually connect with Denny, and you feel like you learn more from the dog about being human than you could ever learn from actual humans.
All in all, it wasn't my favorite book, but it was a fun read. I liked that it was reality fiction, but I feel that there was a bit too much reality in there. Denny could have just dealt with the custody law suit rather than having to throw in the whole rape situation as well. I get it; it helped the in-laws make him look even worse as a dad, but really? Anyway, if you enjoy reality fiction, and you want to read a book told from a dog's point of view, you should read this one. It really is an okay story, and it does help you think about what we as humans do to one another and how we could all be a little bit more "human" for each other.
This was a read for my book club, and at first, I didn't love it. The story follows the life of Enzo, a dog, yes, a dog is the narrator, and his experiences with Denny, his owner. Denny is a race-car driver, and Enzo loves watching videos or car races when Denny is not at home. Eventually, Denny gets married, and he and his wife have a kid. Spoiler alert: Don't read on if you don't want to know what happens. Denny's wife then gets cancer and she dies. While she is suffering from cancer, she moves in with her parents, and Denny's daughter also lives there with them. Denny comes to visit when he can. Also, when his wife is sick, Denny goes on a family trip with his wife's family and his daughter, and one of the teenage cousins falls in love with Denny. Now, the sad part (yes, more sad than his wife dying). After Denny's wife dies, his in-laws decide to sue him for custody of his daughter, and to make things worse, the teenage cousin accuses him of rape. In the end, it all turns out fine for Denny, but he loses a lot of money, and then poor Enzo doesn't really get to see him happy because Enzo's life ends before Denny gets to his happily ever after.
Now, for my review part. There are chapters about racing cars that really aren't necessary; I felt like it was a bit like Moby Dick where the chapters about whaling didn't really add to the story. However, I can see why the author included these chapters; they do help you learn a little bit more about Denny as a person, but not a lot. So, I didn't really enjoy those chapters; I feel like the story could have been told without the race-car chapters.
Also, I kept thinking, "When is this guy going to get a break?" Good grief! First, his wife gets cancer, second his in-laws sue him for custody of his kid, and third, he's accused of raping a relative. What are the odds that this would all happen in one person's life, let alone within a year's timeframe? It seemed a bit much for me.
In addition, I kept thinking that Denny was pretty stupid, but then I realized that the author made him mainly naive and vulnerable since the story was being told from a dog's point of view. The dog helps the reader actually connect with Denny, and you feel like you learn more from the dog about being human than you could ever learn from actual humans.
All in all, it wasn't my favorite book, but it was a fun read. I liked that it was reality fiction, but I feel that there was a bit too much reality in there. Denny could have just dealt with the custody law suit rather than having to throw in the whole rape situation as well. I get it; it helped the in-laws make him look even worse as a dad, but really? Anyway, if you enjoy reality fiction, and you want to read a book told from a dog's point of view, you should read this one. It really is an okay story, and it does help you think about what we as humans do to one another and how we could all be a little bit more "human" for each other.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Batman: Nightwalker
I know that this book came out a few years ago, but I didn't have a copy. Originally I also thought I wouldn't like it because I am more of a girl hero lover than male heroes, but this one was actually surprisingly fun for me.
The story begins with Madeleine being caught at a crime scene and arrested for murdering one of Gotham City's elite citizens. Right away you get the feeling that she isn't the bad guy and she is taking the fall for someone else. The story then jumps to Bruce Wayne as he is traveling to his 18th birthday party. Bruce leaves the party early because he gets upset by the mayor's son, who used to be his friend. While traveling back to Wayne Manor, Bruce ends up driving right into a crime scene, and when he realizes that the police aren't going to catch the criminal he chases him down instead. As a result, Bruce is sentenced to community service, and he is assigned to work at Arkham Asylum cleaning the halls and other areas. While there, he goes into the basement where the "toughest" criminals are kept, and of course, he meets Madeleine. Madeleine soon starts talking to Bruce, and she tells him things that she won't tell the police. Luckily for the police force, Bruce is willing to go "undercover" for them and try to Madeleine to reveal the secrets of the Nightwalkers. As the story goes on, Bruce finds himself falling for Madeleine, and at the end, we discover she really isn't the bad guy that she seemed to be.
As I said before, this was surprisingly fun, but it was also a little predictable. I was a little sad that the author developed a love story between Bruce and Madeleine, but then Madeleine didn't stick around at the end. Also, by having Madeleine even be part of the story, the author kind of threw a kink in the original DC story that some ardent Batman fans probably won't appreciate. However, I did enjoy the action and the plot line to the book. Even though I knew that Bruce was on the hit list, I didn't realize that the Nightwalkers would target him so early in the story. I was expecting the end of the book to be more about him and the Nightwalkers invading Wayne Manor, and that surprisingly happened more in the middle of the book. Also, I enjoyed the fact that Harvey Dent was included in the story, and he and Bruce were friends from high school (at least the author kept that part from the original).
Since I have the book, I will definitely be putting it in my classroom library for my students to read. I feel that the author did a great job of creating the characters, and males and females alike will enjoy the story. The males because Bruce Wayne is an independent teenager who takes matters into his own hands and comes out on top; the females because Madeleine is part of the story and Bruce falls for her. My own 12-year-old son read the book, and he loved it! He finished it within 24 hours, so I know that if he enjoyed it, most teenage boys will also like it. He even said, "Mom, the love story wasn't that bad in it." So, if you are a Batman fan and don't mind how closely it sticks to the original, Batman: Nightwalker is one that you will want to read and share with other Batman lovers.
The story begins with Madeleine being caught at a crime scene and arrested for murdering one of Gotham City's elite citizens. Right away you get the feeling that she isn't the bad guy and she is taking the fall for someone else. The story then jumps to Bruce Wayne as he is traveling to his 18th birthday party. Bruce leaves the party early because he gets upset by the mayor's son, who used to be his friend. While traveling back to Wayne Manor, Bruce ends up driving right into a crime scene, and when he realizes that the police aren't going to catch the criminal he chases him down instead. As a result, Bruce is sentenced to community service, and he is assigned to work at Arkham Asylum cleaning the halls and other areas. While there, he goes into the basement where the "toughest" criminals are kept, and of course, he meets Madeleine. Madeleine soon starts talking to Bruce, and she tells him things that she won't tell the police. Luckily for the police force, Bruce is willing to go "undercover" for them and try to Madeleine to reveal the secrets of the Nightwalkers. As the story goes on, Bruce finds himself falling for Madeleine, and at the end, we discover she really isn't the bad guy that she seemed to be.
As I said before, this was surprisingly fun, but it was also a little predictable. I was a little sad that the author developed a love story between Bruce and Madeleine, but then Madeleine didn't stick around at the end. Also, by having Madeleine even be part of the story, the author kind of threw a kink in the original DC story that some ardent Batman fans probably won't appreciate. However, I did enjoy the action and the plot line to the book. Even though I knew that Bruce was on the hit list, I didn't realize that the Nightwalkers would target him so early in the story. I was expecting the end of the book to be more about him and the Nightwalkers invading Wayne Manor, and that surprisingly happened more in the middle of the book. Also, I enjoyed the fact that Harvey Dent was included in the story, and he and Bruce were friends from high school (at least the author kept that part from the original).
Since I have the book, I will definitely be putting it in my classroom library for my students to read. I feel that the author did a great job of creating the characters, and males and females alike will enjoy the story. The males because Bruce Wayne is an independent teenager who takes matters into his own hands and comes out on top; the females because Madeleine is part of the story and Bruce falls for her. My own 12-year-old son read the book, and he loved it! He finished it within 24 hours, so I know that if he enjoyed it, most teenage boys will also like it. He even said, "Mom, the love story wasn't that bad in it." So, if you are a Batman fan and don't mind how closely it sticks to the original, Batman: Nightwalker is one that you will want to read and share with other Batman lovers.
Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibanez
Woven in Moonlight tells the story of Ximena, the decoy Condesa, for the Illustrian people who have been driven out of their city by the evil King Atoc. Ximena is sent in to take the Condesa's place when Atoc demands her hand in marriage, and as she spends time in the palace, she learns that there is more than one side to every story.
When Ximena first arrives at the palace her goal is to kill Atoc and help the Condesa take control of the throne back. However, as she is in the palace, she gets to know many of the Illustrian people who don't want Atoc on the throne, and she discovers that maybe the Condesa isn't the right person to rule the kingdom. By the end of the book, Ximena is trying to figure out who's side she is really on, and of course there is a love story involved as well.
I truly loved the story mainly because of the Latin background and my love for Latin America. The Spanish phrases that were included helped make the book that much more real for me, and I laughed out loud when the cuss words were there because they were so appropriate for the situation and the book. This was a really fun story, and I fell in love with it quickly. I was a little shocked at the violence and blood involved, but at the same time, it helped to make the story that much more believable. I am excited to include this one in my classroom library and to share the story with my students. Ibanez is a beautiful writer, and I can't wait to read her next book.
When Ximena first arrives at the palace her goal is to kill Atoc and help the Condesa take control of the throne back. However, as she is in the palace, she gets to know many of the Illustrian people who don't want Atoc on the throne, and she discovers that maybe the Condesa isn't the right person to rule the kingdom. By the end of the book, Ximena is trying to figure out who's side she is really on, and of course there is a love story involved as well.
I truly loved the story mainly because of the Latin background and my love for Latin America. The Spanish phrases that were included helped make the book that much more real for me, and I laughed out loud when the cuss words were there because they were so appropriate for the situation and the book. This was a really fun story, and I fell in love with it quickly. I was a little shocked at the violence and blood involved, but at the same time, it helped to make the story that much more believable. I am excited to include this one in my classroom library and to share the story with my students. Ibanez is a beautiful writer, and I can't wait to read her next book.
Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow
Man, I have fallen behind on updating my reviews! I read Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow because a great teacher friend had it and loaned it to me. I was preparing to teach All the Light We Cannot See to my Senior English classes, and I had read an article about Hitler Youth, so when my friend and I were talking, she loaned me the book.
Anyway, the book was great. Written by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, it tells the rise and fall of the Hitler Youth organization. Bartoletti starts the book telling the story of one of the Hitler Youth who was killed by a communist gang for being a member of the Hitler Youth, and she moves on to tell the various stories of different members of the group. Included in the stories are girls and boys of all ages who were members of the Hitler Youth. A few remained faithful to the group until the end of World War II while some saw through the organization's promises and purposes and joined resistance groups. The White Rose organization and the story of the group is in the book, and I was actually shocked that their executions didn't deter people away from Hitler Youth, but rather helped strengthen the resolve of the Hitler Youth to support Hitler and his cause.
Overall, I enjoyed the book immensely, and I feel that Bartoletti did a great job of sharing both sides of the story. Quality nonfiction for young adults is not always easy to find, but this is a genre that I feel is on the rise. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow is a title that I recommend for history lovers who want to see both sides of a group who isn't discussed as often as they should be.
Anyway, the book was great. Written by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, it tells the rise and fall of the Hitler Youth organization. Bartoletti starts the book telling the story of one of the Hitler Youth who was killed by a communist gang for being a member of the Hitler Youth, and she moves on to tell the various stories of different members of the group. Included in the stories are girls and boys of all ages who were members of the Hitler Youth. A few remained faithful to the group until the end of World War II while some saw through the organization's promises and purposes and joined resistance groups. The White Rose organization and the story of the group is in the book, and I was actually shocked that their executions didn't deter people away from Hitler Youth, but rather helped strengthen the resolve of the Hitler Youth to support Hitler and his cause.
Overall, I enjoyed the book immensely, and I feel that Bartoletti did a great job of sharing both sides of the story. Quality nonfiction for young adults is not always easy to find, but this is a genre that I feel is on the rise. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow is a title that I recommend for history lovers who want to see both sides of a group who isn't discussed as often as they should be.
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